It was a fun year for The Johnston 5. My parents came over from Scotland to visit this summer, and my brother and his family after them. We had family in town for the best part of five weeks – it was great! That I was off work the entire time didn’t hurt either 
Jordan is 17 now and a senior in high school. Scotland doesn’t do graduation ceremonies from high school, so I’m at the mercy of Jordan and Tessa to tell me what’s normal. Apparently a shopping spree followed by a day at the spa being served champagne in the cupped hands of bronzed cabana boys is the bare minimum
Jordan wants to go into Nursing after high school and is in the process of filling out college application forms. While she’s not studying (or dreaming about cabana boys!) she’s planning what furniture she wants in her apartment when she moves out. Moving out is high on her list – I’ve no idea why 
I’m sure she’ll miss those endless episodes of Hannah Montana and Ice Princess marathons.
Emma is 6 and started 1st grade this year. She’s been loving school so far, and loves doing homework. The other day, we went to a bookstore and she picked out a book of math problems!
She’s not quite so fond of mornings though. Picking out something to wear and putting it on without it “looking weird” is a knife-edge situation each morning. I think it’s safe to say she’s not a morning person. Like her mum… hey, who said that – wasn’t me! shhhh
Luke’s 4 now and started Pre-K this year (that’s the one before primary 1 for all the Scots reading). I didn’t think he’d sit still long enough for the teacher to even call out his name, but turns out he’s loving it. They do have a computer in the room though, so I think that’s playing a major role in his motivation! He’s also been playing soccer, baseball and golf and we just signed him up for Tae Kwon Do. The kid’s got energy.
Tessa is 29 this year – weird, I know (again)! I’m such a cradle robber! She’s loving being home with the kids and volunteers in both their classrooms once a week. Emma’s class loves her so much they nearly knocked her over when the entire class rushed her for a hug.
She completed her first triathlon this year (three of them actually), and is signed up for another three plus a half marathon next summer. Yeah, I’m tired just writing it down. Oh, and she just finished an accounting class at the local community college!
I’m just trying my best to keep up! I’m still employed at Agilent, which these days feels like an achievement! My fight against droopy man boobs is still raging, but it was a good year. According to the moobie-meter (aka the bathroom scale) I’m holding steady. In a crazed effort to get ahead of the game before the Holiday goody season got here, I tried 30 days without candy/sweets… I made it, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Gummy bear withdrawal is not something to take lightly
Best wishes to all for 2010!
Love,
The Johnston 5!
(Ross, Tessa, Jordan, Emma & Luke)
